BOISE, Idaho — An incident on June 24 that resulted in a suspect being shot and killed by a Boise police officer has some people in BODO worried about an uptick in violence.
On Saturday, police were investigating a suspicious vehicle when a man, now identified as 22-year-old Payton Wasson, fled the vehicle carrying a firearm. He was shot in the head by a Boise police officer after not responding to officers' commands to stop. Wasson died as a result of the gunshot wound.
RELATED: Suspect shot by Boise police officer has died from gunshot wound to the head
The incident took place around 5th and Main downtown.
Some local businesses in the area were shocked and surprised that the shooting took place in a generally safe area.
"I mean I never expected that to happen anywhere downtown," said Sabrina Sorrell, manager at Chip Cookies.
"It's shocking to know it could happen right outside my business and in a very safe place of downtown," said Kyle Costa, owner of Costa Floral.
The day after, police had the area taped off allowing for cleanup from other agencies.
"After about half an hour, I see on this opposite corner here a fireman hosing down the sidewalk," said Lauren Lynch, baker at Chip.
For most, the shooting was uncharacteristic for the area that, Costa says, is known for being part of a group of safe communities in Boise.
"Boise is a really safe community. People are moving here from all over the country, or even the world, to enjoy the beautiful aspects that Boise has to offer and also the safe communities that are here," said Costa.
